Salon Metiers & Arts Festival in Monpazier.

The event in Monpazier has been a delightful tradition for fifteen years, showcasing the incredible talent and craftsmanship of various artists within the charming setting of the medieval village. The festivities commenced yesterday and will enchant visitors until Sunday, offering ample opportunities to explore the myriad of offerings. As you stroll through the event, you can immerse yourself in the diverse array of pots, paintings, lights, jewelry, garments, and so much more. Moreover, the event features captivating demonstrations where attendees can witness the artists in action, adding an interactive and enriching dimension to the experience. It’s truly an event not to be missed, providing a wonderful opportunity to appreciate and acquire unique, handmade creations while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Monpazier.

On a gorgeous sunny day what is better than sitting outside with a coffee while the artisans show cased their various crafts.

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Forty artistes and artisans.

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Amazing paintings and works of art.

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This is the outfit that I fell in love with. It is by Marie Larthet, creation Marrak. The quality and the design is outstanding but how much? Well, the top alone was 220 euro, so too expensive but wow what an outfit.

Here is her poppy creation, again wow. She also has tops, skirts, trousers and matching bags.

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Demonstration of an artist at work.

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Event:- Sarlat 18^th May and 19 May.

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Daglan Fête Du Printemps.

People flocked to the Spring Flower Festival last Sunday, eager to immerse themselves in the array of plants, fruit trees, vines, and much more.

We made our way across the square, drawn by the smaller plants showcased for purchase. These delightful additions would soon find their place in the tubs adorning the front of our house and our courtyard,

The variety of plants and the kaleidoscope of colors on display never failed to exceed our expectations. Each specimen stood as a testament to the horticultural expertise and dedication of the growers, elevating the event to a standard of excellence that captivated and inspired all who attended.

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People were arriving all day to look and buy the plants which made the Festival a great success.

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The sun was shining on a really enjoyable day.

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This particular stand was very interesting, the porous pot containers are filled with water which you then place in your garden to slowly water the plants.

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Rose bushes and fruit trees were on display.

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The above is our box of flowers, ready to be planted. The little stick in the plastic cover is our new Muscat grape vine. Which we hope will produce grapes in one or two years time.

In events such as these, one cannot help but be reminded of the beauty and wonder that nature bestows upon us, and Daglan Fête Du Printemps serves as a celebration of this remarkable gift.

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Events:-
Garage Sale in Sergeac March 31^st
Egg Hunt in Marqueyssac March 31^st
Egg Hunt in Sarlat 1^st April
Cluedo Easter Treasure at Salignac-Eyviques 1^st April

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Fête Du Printemps

Spring is here and it is time once more for Daglan’s flower festival to be held on the 17^th March.

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A few pictures from last years flower festival so that you can get a glimpse of the variety of plants on offer.

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So come along and enjoy.

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The Jewel Of the Perigord.

The Truffle Festival organized by Sarlat and the Groupement des Trufficulteurs du Perigord Noir has become a beloved tradition over the past decade, captivating the hearts and taste buds of all who attend. The festivities are still underway and will continue until this evening, offering ample time for visitors to partake in the experiences on offer. In addition to savoring the exquisite truffles, attendees have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of engaging activities. Among these, one highlight is the captivating demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs, who share their unparalleled expertise on the art of preparing, cooking, and indulging in truffles, providing a unique culinary experience that is sure to delight all the senses.

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Many years ago you would observe truffle pigs but now it is mostly truffle dogs who find these black jewels in the forest of the Perigord Noir. This shift from pigs to dogs as truffle hunters reflects the evolving methods of truffle harvesting in the region. While truffle pigs have traditionally been used for hunting these prized fungi due to their natural ability to sniff them out, concerns about the pigs damaging the truffle-producing ecosystems led to a shift towards using specially trained dogs. These dogs have become indispensable for truffle hunters, as their keen sense of smell and agility make them ideal for locating truffles without disturbing the delicate underground environment where these culinary delicacies grow.

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The chilly weather of minus seven degrees failed to deter the hundreds of enthusiastic people from attending the festival. Despite the frosty temperatures, they gathered to marvel at the diverse array of truffles on display. From small ones to large ones, with a variety of prices ranging from approximately 800 euros to 1000 euros per kilo, there was something for every truffle aficionado. Among the crowd, I noticed a woman purchasing six sizable truffles, likely destined for the local restaurants.

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When you step beneath the sheltering awning, the first sensory encounter is undeniably the alluring aroma of truffles permeating the air. It is a heady experience, reminiscent of the rich, earthy scent of damp forest undergrowth, with subtle undertones of cocoa adding an intriguing depth.

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There are also many stalls selling truffle eggs or truffle scramble eggs, cakes made with truffles, biscuits and many more. Above is truffle chocolate mousse which tastes gorgeous. I think that the little dog liked the aroma but defiantly not for pets.

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I just had to buy a couple.

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Melt in your mouth macaroons that taste delicious. Plus our truffle purchase that we have placed in the fridge along with a few eggs to permientate the egg shell for a delicious omelette tomorrow.

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Event:- Game Festival in Sarlat on the 17^th and 18^th February at the Cultural centre.

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Château de Biron.

The Château de Biron, located about 7km from Monpazier, is a truly magnificent sight to behold. As the largest of all the Châteaux in the Perigord region, it is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area. Visitors should be prepared for the slightly challenging approach to the Château, as the path from the car park involves a rather steep slope. However, don’t be discouraged, as there is an alternative route that entails only a few steps from the side of the Château, which we found to be much more manageable. This breathtaking historical site promises not only stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings, but also a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a traveler seeking remarkable experiences, the Château de Biron is sure to captivate and inspire all who venture to visit.

Through the Summer months you can have archery lessons in the grounds of the Château.

Built around the 11th century to command the northern approaches to the Agenais, the Château has a rich and fascinating history that has shaped the region for centuries. In 1189, Gontaut-Biron, ancestor of Lord Biron, and his descendants held the Château for twenty four generations, leaving an indelible mark on its legacy. The Château itself spans a wide timeframe, with structures dating from the 12th century to the 17th century, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of architectural styles and historical narratives. The upper courtyard, enveloped by noble dwellings, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past, while the presence of a chapel further enriches the site’s cultural and religious significance. Divided into separate sections for nobles and villagers, the chapel embodies the complex social dynamics of the time, providing a captivating insight into the lives of the people who once called this place home. Whether exploring the grandeur of noble dwellings or delving into the spiritual undercurrents of the chapel, visitors are sure to find a wealth of captivating sights and stories awaiting them at this remarkable Château.

Looking up towards the bedrooms and gallery of the Château.
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This has to be one of my favourite rooms, the dinning room with its stone carved fireplace. There are also tapestries and costumes on display.
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In another room are more costumes from the various periods of the Château. Love the slashes on this garment revealing the bright red under garment.
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Celebration of the season.
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Medieval games were displayed on this amazing floor.
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Biron.
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Summer activities at Biron are :-
Gourmet Night every Thursday Eve
Armoury Demonstrations
Sword Demonstrations.
Tours every day.
Musical Evenings
Art Exhibitions.

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Up and Coming Event in the area:-
Truffle Festival Sarlat, 20^th and 21^st January

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